Peru: Earthquake in the Amazon region

On 28 November 2021, an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 on the Richter scale and VIII on the modified Mercalli intensity scale (categorized as severe) occurred in the district of Barranca, Datem del Marañón province, department of Loreto. The main impact is concentrated in the departments of Amazonas, Cajamarca, Loreto, and San Martin in the north of the country, in the Amazon jungle. As at 14 December, the earthquake has caused the death of one person and injured 17. Over 5,100 houses, 518 schools, and 71 hospitals were affected. The earthquake has destroyed several roads and caused the Utcubamba River to overflow. The most affected regions are in the Amazon jungle, with very limited access because of the damage caused to the few existing roads. The official number of people affected may still increase as needs assessments are in progress.